Star struck: Wired868 selects its Pro League players of the season

There were six trophies at stake in Trinidad and Tobago’s top flight this season but DIRECTV W Connection and Central FC were not into sharing. Connection grabbed four while Central pocketed the other two.

His enthusiastic overlapping runs, booming right foot shot and tiger-ish defending were vital in Connection’s million dollar Pro League chase. He is one for the future; but he might be one for the present too.

Central defence: Daneil Cyrus (W Connection)

Cyrus had a troubled season with breaks for trials, personal grief with his ailing grandmom and a suspension for minor league football. He even skipped two international fixtures after missing a flight to Saudi Arabia.

When he does get on to the field, though, Cyrus is the best defender in the country and his departure to Vietnam is a loss to the Pro League.

There were probably relieved sighs by strikers all over the country when Ettienne missed a few weeks of action this season. Fast, tall and aggressive, the Point Fortin defender is a throwback to no-nonsense defenders like Marvin Andrews and Dexter Francis; after 90 minutes with Ettienne, you know you were in a game.

Left back: Kurt Frederick (W Connection)

When Frederick pops up in the final third, you know you are in trouble; and he shows up there often. The swashbuckling St Lucian defender was almost unrivalled in his mastery of the left flank.

It is easier to destroy than create. All the same, Williams, a St Kitts and Nevis international, has turned destruction into an artform. His levels of consistency, stamina and tactical discipline were eye-catching and few playmakers in the local game are capable of getting the better of him.

Wired868 has selected Williams as its Player of the Year and popular restaurant, Ruby Tuesday, has agreed to reward him with a meal fit for a king.

Right midfield: Jason Marcano (Central FC)

In truth, there has been a shortage of proper wing play in the Pro League this season. Marcano gets in ahead of North East Stars’ Kennedy Hinkson for his crucial goals, earlier this year, that eventually helped Central to its first Caribbean Club Championship berth.

At 38, Oliver is old enough to be Alvin Jones’ father. He remains the “big daddy” of the Pro League though. Mister “Pass and Move” is invariably behind most of Central’s best attacking moves and he was as good as ever this year.

Joevin was as good as he was last season, which is saying something. And yet we feel he can be even better. He can pass, shoot, dribble and tackle; in short, he will be as good as he wants to be. So we hope he aims high.

Joseph has a good claim to have been the Pro League’s outstanding player this season. After a decent start in a variety of midfield roles, he came alive when pushed upfront alongside veteran Andre Toussaint.

He is a lively runner with a deceptive change of pace; but it is when he uncocks that left boot that you really sit up. Lionel Messi might have the most cultured left foot on the field when Trinidad and Tobago meets Argentina; but Marcus Joseph will have the most violent one.

Striker: Willis Plaza (Central FC)

Plaza caresses the ball as if he were wearing gloves on his feet; he can strike the ball with either boot and is as crafty as they come in the local game. At 26, he is nearing the peak of his powers and might be the bridge between the 29-year-old Kenwyne Jones and the 22-year-old Shahdon Winchester, who are the present and the future respectively.

Trevin Caesar (North East Stars): Probably the most dangerous striker in the Pro League; Caesar was a one-man wrecking crew with his pace, low centre of gravity and fierce shooting from around the opposing penalty box.

Editor’s Note: What Pro League players caught your eye? Let us know. Also click HERE for our Young Players of the Season and look out for our upcoming Photos of the Season!

About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the CEO and Editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

14 comments

Good to see we got some on the reserve unit at least they are not forgotten, like the team selected hope all players send around the article so we can get more involved in the league. Come on you guys all players and staff sent to all your friends.

Agreed with most of the selections, would have like to see Adrian Foncette in the goalkeeping position though. He has been the standout player for Police this season and his presence in the national team camp is well deserved. With an out of shape Jan and an injured Phillip, Foncette is not that far away from being the country’s number one.

Not surprised to see Marvin Oliver picked, was pretty impressed with his passing skills every time I saw him. Coach Hart still likes veterans in the national team, as shown by his constant selection of Theobald and recall of Carlos Edwards for the Argentina trip.

Oliver to me wouldn’t look out of place next to Hylaand & Boucaud in the Soca Warriors mid-field, despite his age.

Oooooo ok I actually take it back I thought wired868 was like affiliated to the tt pro league and this was like the official awards for the year. I do apologize! Currently living overseas so kinda out of the loop with the setup…. And I actually wouldn’t mind helping with something like this.. Once again apologies and kudos to Lasana liburd!

I hear you and I agree however the Wired868 award is totally independent of the league, i think instead we should applaud people like Lasana Liburd for making an effort to recognise the players independently

True and as a football lover I actually wouldn’t mind doing something like that but my point is this is the professional league of Trinidad and Tobago. Rewarding players for going above and beyond in this manner doesn’t look good. If this is the incentive for working extra hard then idk.. Just my opinion btw….

No problem Leonardo Reyes. The TT Pro League will do something much bigger. And Earl Mango Pierre also made a very generous award to the top scorer.
I just wanted to offer a token of appreciation too for the Wired868 MVPs. I’m happy that Ruby Tuesday agreed on such short notice and maybe we can do something bigger and better next season.

3 weeks agoby wired868Save boi! T&T Maestros goalkeeper Jaydon Thomas keeps out a shot with the help of the bar during RBYL North Zone Under-13 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah on 27 April 2019. Photo: Allan V Crane/CA-Images/RBYL

3 weeks agoby wired868Chip off the old block? Mayo Youths attacker Tyrique Phillip (left) is on the prowl during RBYL South Zone Under-13 action on 7 April 2019. Tyrique is the son of Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team goalkeeper and 2001 World Youth Cup player, Marvin Phillip. Photo: Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868